pre 1900 German manivelle with figurines
Music box is 8 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches in working condition with hand crank. Magnetized figurines move in a circle and when crank is turned. This was a childhood toy of a gentleman who was born in 1878 and lived in Berlin, Germany. Background scene is of a town square. Background is a little damaged. There are 10 figurines - a few need minor repairs but we have all the parts (2 arms that need to be reglued). Figurines are all in the 1 - 1 1/2 inch range. Music box is in fair condition but working.
Josef Samson, a German Jew, was born in Berlin in 1878. A trained artist and a physician he fled Germany moving to Paris in 1932 shortly after Hitler came into power. He practiced medicine in Paris until 1940 when he was sent to an internment camp. He managed to emigrate to New York via Lisbon in 1942 where he practiced medicine until his death in 1962. This music box was one of a number of personal possessions that accompanied him during his journey.
Inherited
Maybe
That’s a great comparable sale price!
It appears to be more complete than your example – more buildings and figures, as well as including what could be the original boxes.
I’ve looked up the conversion rate from Euros to Dollars at the time of sale – the estimate would have been $1680-2240 and it realized $2465. I think yours is more appropriately estimated at $1200-1,800, and would be catalogued as:
A magnetic manivelle automaton with Erzegebirge Figures
Possibly by Zimmer & Sohne, Thuringia, late 19th century
Back with an indistinct pencil signature “Hirju…”
8 1/2 x 8 1/2 inches
PROVENANCE: Josef Samson, a German Jew, was born in Berlin in 1878. A trained artist and a physician he fled Germany moving to Paris in 1932 shortly after Hitler came into power. He practiced medicine in Paris until 1940 when he was sent to an internment camp. He managed to emigrate to New York via Lisbon in 1942 where he practiced medicine until his death in 1962.
$1,200-1,800*
*represents a fair-market value for auction purposes; retail or asking price may vary.
Please let us know if you have additional items to appraise, and thank you again for using Mearto.
Delia - I found it. Here is an internet link
https://www.liveauctioneers.com/item/52749672_magnetic-manivelle-automaton-with-erzgebirge-figures
Now what should I do?
Thank you
Ralph
Delia
Thank you for your prompt followup. There is no label of any kind. However, there is a handwritten word on the back of the upright piece. I have added a photo of this.